What Is Craniosacral Therapy?

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on osteopathic therapy developed by John Upledger in the 1970s. It works with the craniosacral system, which consists of the central nervous system and all the surrounding membranes and fluid around the brain. The therapist uses light touches to create rhythmic pulsations and helps the body improve naturally.

During the session, the registered massage therapist will check for restrictions in the movement of soft tissues due to trauma or inflammation and then apply a very light pressure - no more than 5 grams, equivalent to a nickel's weight -to release them. CST has been increasingly used as a preventive and therapeutic measure, allowing people to maintain balance and health.

The idea of cranial bone motion was controversial for decades, but further research by Dr. Upledger demonstrated the activity in x-rays of older skulls. Further investigation confirmed the correctness of this hypothesis.

These studies increasingly suggest the effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in treating several health-related issues. A 2017 study published in the Clinical Journal of Pain found craniosacral therapy effective at helping treat neck pain. 

Numerous studies have helped to prove that craniosacral therapy can help treat concussions, back pain, fibromyalgia, and autism spectrum disorders, among many other conditions.

How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?

Your brains and spinal cords are the major structural elements of the central nervous system. This is strongly influenced by the craniosacral system, which comprises membranes and fluid that coat, protect, and hydrate your neurons.

Your body endures physical challenges that it must confront every day. Unfortunately, those difficulties often result in body tissues contracting and distorting the thoracic-sacral system.

Those distortions cause muscle tissues to contract, creating tension around the brain and spinal cord. This dilemma may create an obstacle to the healthy functioning of the central nervous system and possibly other cells it interacts with.

Fortunately, such limitations can be identified and corrected using straightforward touch procedures. With a light touch, the CST therapist utilizes their hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by feeling different body areas to determine the range, ease of motion, and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid coursing around the brain and spinal column.

Soft techniques can then work on any restrictions in the craniosacral system affecting the central nervous system.

By stimulating the brain's surrounding area and enhancing the body's capacity to adjust to imperfections, Craniosacral Therapy is proficient at easing various health issues, including chronic aches and physical trauma.

What Conditions Can CST Help With?

Craniosacral therapy (CST) focuses on the craniosacral system, including the bones, membranes, cranium, and cerebrospinal fluid surrounding and protecting the brainstem and spinal cord.

CST has been applied to treat both physical and psychological disorders. There is a wide range of conditions found to be suitably treated by CST:

• Alzheimer's disease

• Autism

• Back Pain

• Brain injury

• Chronic fatigue

• Colic

• Concussion

• Dementia

• Fibromyalgia

• Immune disorders

• Migraines

• Neck pain

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Scoliosis

• Spinal cord injury

• Stress

This therapy can help alleviate pain and stress in various conditions. It has been known to help chronic pain, headaches, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, digestive issues, autism spectrum disorder, learning difficulties and more. CST can also help to improve neck flexibility and range of motion.

Improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid throughout the body's tissues helps to reduce inflammation and promote deep relaxation. Through gentle touch and verbal communication with the client during CST sessions, practitioners can assess areas of restriction within the body and work to release these restrictions for improved health.

Benefits Of Craniosacral Therapy

CST is thought to help relieve head, neck, and back constraints. It can help soothe pain and get rid of both physical and emotional stress and tension as well. It is also thought to help restore cranial motion and ease the head, neck, and nervous limitations.

Cranial sacral therapy may be offered to people of all ages. It may also be prescribed as a portion of the treatment for conditions like the following:

• Migraines & Headaches

• Bowel Movements(e.g constipation, IBS)

• Chronic Pain (e.g. Fibromyalgia)

• Ear Infections Or Colic In Infants

• Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)

• Trauma Recovery (e.g. whiplash)

• Anxiety Or Depression

• Pregnancy Issues

• Insomnia

• Scoliosis

• Sinus Infections

Several studies support the claim that CST is an effective treatment for stress, but more rigorous studies are needed to confirm the conclusion. Other studies indicate that CST can serve as an important treatment or part of an effective treatment plan for specific conditions.

Is Craniosacral Therapy Right For Everyone?

The short answer is that craniosacral therapy may be right for some people and not others. The long answer is that craniosacral therapy depends on the individual's anatomy, health history, and other factors. Some people may find relief from headaches or pain in the neck and head after receiving craniosacral therapy; others may not experience any benefits.

• Recent concussion

• Cerebral swelling

• Structural defects in the cerebellum, such as Arnold-Chiari malformation

• Brain aneurysm

• Traumatic brain injury

• Blood clots

• Any disorder that causes instability of cerebral fluid pressure, flow or build-up

Are There Any Instances To Avoid CST?

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a manual therapy believed to help improve the body's natural healing processes and treat various conditions. However, there are some instances in which CST should not be used. These include cases where the patient has a fever, infection, or an active bleeding disorder.

Patients with specific conditions such as cancer, heart disease or aneurysms should not receive CST treatment. Furthermore, individuals who have had recent surgery or trauma may also be advised to avoid CST due to potential complications with healing.

Ultimately, therapists must assess each patient's individual needs before administering CST to ensure that it is safe and effective for them.

Final Thoughts On Cranial Therapy

Cranial sacral therapy may offer relief to some people, with the strongest scientific evidence supporting it as an effective treatment for migraines. Because there's very little to no risk of side effects, some people may prefer this treatment to prescription drugs with more significant risks.

Craniosacral Therapy can be used on its own or in conjunction with other forms of therapy, such as acupuncture or massage, for greater effectiveness. As a form of holistic healing, it is often used as one of the alternative therapies when traditional medicines fail to provide relief.

Its effects are usually felt immediately after a session and provide lasting relief from chronic pain or illness caused by stress or trauma. Craniosacral Therapy is a safe and effective way to restore balance to the body's nervous system while providing numerous benefits that can improve overall health and well-being.

If you have any further doubts or questions regarding this subject or another treatment, contact one of our experienced Acupuncturists or Registered Massage Therapists here at West End Wellness Clinic. You can either give us a call or make an appointment.

Disclaimer: Please remember this article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider or someone with the correct qualifications before starting any new exercise or treatment program.